After spending roughly five years in the dark, St. George Musical Theater is finally flipping the switch, shining a spotlight on “Sound of Music,” opening this week inside the St. George Opera House.

Kicking off what SGMT executives hope will be a vibrant return to the community theater scene, as well as paying homage to the theater’s first production in the round in 1999, “Sound of Music” will open Sept. 4 and continue through Oct. 4.

“Some people would call it a nightmare,” Bennett added with a laugh. “After five long years… as crazy as it is to put on a community theater production, we don’t mind the chaos and the hard work because all we ever wanted was a chance to bring back St. George Musical Theater.”

Leading the cast on the busy road toward opening night is Ani Rogers, director for “Sound of Music,” who had her first experiences with theater back in the company’s earlier life.

As a “huge advocate” of community theater, it didn’t matter to Rogers that she was already busy directing one of Pine View High School’s theater productions; she couldn’t turn down the opportunity with SGMT.

“I was tickled they even considered me for this job,” Rogers said. “I think people are going to be surprised by what we are able to accomplish.”

Set in Austria just prior to World War II, this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tells the story of Maria, a potential nun who is sent to care for the seven unruly Von Trapp children and gets caught up in her feelings for Captain Von Trapp. Meanwhile, like many Austrians, the Captain is concerned about Germany’s plans for his homeland and the life that could mean for his family.

“Its biggest talent is in its script,” Rogers said.

However, Rogers was extremely pleased when the show was cast and she saw the talent with which she would be working to execute that script.

“I think we’re just as competent as anybody in the area, maybe even stronger,” Rogers said of the company for the show.

Marjorie Blake will play the role of Maria. She was involved with St. George Musical Theater from 1996 to 2000. Then, she had a family and time just didn’t seem to allow for her to continue. But with the re-opening of the theater and the fact that her children are older now, Blake thought this was the perfect time to make her own re-entrance into the theater world, and she is immensely glad she did.

“It was time to do something fun for me,” she said.

With the popularity of “Sound of Music” and the iconic image most people have of Maria — played by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film version of the show — Blake is well aware she has some “huge shoes to fill,” but she is excited and flattered by the opportunity.

“It’s kind of like a dream come true,” she said.

Crafting the movement that will be used to tell this story in the round is Alyce Gardner, choreographer for the show. Since this is her first experience with SGMT, she came into the project with no expectations, other than the knowledge that getting a theater up and running and opening a production at the same time is “a huge task.”

Crediting the strength of the producers and the “fabulous” cast, Gardner said she is excited to see how audiences respond, particularly to some of the “unique choreographical elements” she has added to the show.

“It’s a ton of work, but the end result is a beautiful masterpiece,” Gardner said of the project overall. “I’m glad it’s back. We need community theater in St. George in the worst way.”

Bennett said he hopes people will not wait for word of mouth about the production before coming to see the show.

“We think the word of mouth will be very good, but we hope people come out just because they want to show their support,” Bennett said.

“Sound of Music” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from Sept. 4 to Oct. 4 in the St. George Opera House, 212 N. Main St. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students and $16 children ages 6-11. No children younger than 5 years of age allowed. For information, call 435-628-8755 or go to sgmusicaltheater.com.